For many young people, the idea of leaving school at 16 can be daunting, but there are plenty of opportunities available to those who wish to study and work in a specialised area. Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines hands-on work experience with structured learning, allowing you to begin building a career.

In the following guide, we explain why you should consider taking an apprenticeship, using the opportunities available at Lanes Group as examples.

Understanding Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a blend of on-the-job training and classroom learning, allowing you to gain practical skills and work experience while studying for a qualification. This unique combination can make you more attractive to future employers and provide you with a head start in your chosen career by offering real-world experience missed by teaching restricted to theory.

One of the major advantages of apprenticeships is that you get paid while you learn. This means you can start earning a salary from day one, which can be especially appealing if you are eager to achieve financial independence.

Apprenticeships are tied to specific qualifications. By the end of your apprenticeship, you will also earn a recognised qualification that can boost your CV, equivalent to that of A levels or BTECs.

For many, apprenticeships can be a more engaging and effective way to learn, providing a solid foundation for a successful career.

Legal Requirements for Education

In the UK, all young people are required to remain in some form of education or training until they are 18 years old. This does not necessarily mean staying in a traditional school setting; there are several pathways available, including apprenticeships, traineeships, and full-time study in a college or sixth form. This flexibility allows you to choose an option that best suits your learning style and career aspirations.

Apprenticeships are a unique blend of employment and education. As an apprentice, you will spend most of your time working and gaining practical experience with an employer. At the same time, you will also complete a structured programme of study, which is usually one day a week at a training centre or college. This structure means that apprenticeships provide the best of both worlds.

For many young people, the traditional classroom environment is not the most effective way to learn. Apprenticeships offer a more practical, engaging way to gain skills and knowledge, with the added support of mentors and supervisors in the workplace. This can help boost confidence and provide a clear pathway to a fulfilling career.

Apprenticeships at Lanes Group

Lanes Group is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of drainage services. We provide apprenticeship opportunities that are designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in a professional environment, whether that be within the drainage sector or in another industry entirely.

Drainage Engineers

For those looking for a hands-on role, becoming a drainage engineer offers a unique opportunity to learn the trade in the field. You will receive comprehensive training in high-pressure water jetting, street works, and health and safety procedures. You will gain practical experience while working alongside experienced engineers, ensuring you are well-prepared for a career in drainage services.

Business Admin Apprentice

Our drainage engineers cannot function without our office administration staff. As a business admin apprentice, you will develop a range of valuable skills, including office management, customer service, and proficiency with CRM and finance systems. This apprenticeship also helps you build a foundation for a future career in administration or management.

Lanes is proud to promote a culture of ongoing personal and professional development. Our apprenticeships are supported by a range of training courses, so you can gain the skills needed to excel in your chosen field. From mandatory health and safety training to optional courses that allow you to expand your skill set, we are committed to helping you achieve your career goals.

Our innovative Igloo 360-degree projection theatre offers an immersive learning experience, so you can see and hear what it is like to work inside a sewer or drainage system without leaving the training room. This approach provides a safe, interactive way to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and the challenges you might face in the field.

We have also developed our own City & Guilds-accredited programmes, such as the drainage engineer course and the CIPP pipe renovation course. These programmes are tailored to meet the specific needs of our industry, ensuring that you receive the most relevant and up-to-date training available.

You can learn more on our Training and Development page.

The Additional Benefits of Apprenticing at Lanes Group

Choosing an apprenticeship at Lanes Group means embarking on a career path that is supported, rewarding, and filled with opportunities for growth. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect when you join our apprenticeship programmes:

• Hands-on experience: apprentices at Lanes gain real-world experience from day one. Whether you are working in the office or out in the field, you will be involved in meaningful projects that contribute directly to the company and the community’s goals.
• Career progression: our apprenticeship programmes are designed to provide a clear progression path. For example, a trainee drainage engineer can advance to a senior engineer position and, with further training, move into supervisory or managerial roles given time and the right experience.
• Supportive learning environment: we understand that starting an apprenticeship can be daunting. You will receive guidance from experienced mentors and supervisors, who will help you get to grips with your new role and develop your skills. We encourage open communication and provide regular feedback to make sure you are on the right track.
• Continuous training and development: even after completing your apprenticeship, you will have access to a range of training opportunities to help you develop further. This includes courses in advanced drainage techniques, health and safety, and management training if you wish to take on leadership roles in the future.
• Earning potential: unlike many other educational pathways, apprenticeships allow you to earn a wage while you learn. This provides a tangible value for your work and the potential rewards of a successful career. At Lanes, we offer competitive salaries for our apprentices, so you are fairly compensated for your work.
• Nationally recognised qualifications: upon completion of your apprenticeship, you will have gained a nationally recognised qualification in your chosen field. This qualification, combined with the hands-on experience you have acquired, will make you a strong candidate for future employment opportunities, both within Lanes and across the wider industry.

We are dedicated to helping our apprentices succeed. With a supportive, challenging and rewarding environment, you will have everything you need to build a successful and fulfilling career.

How to Apply for an Apprenticeship at Lanes

Applying for an apprenticeship at Lanes Group is straightforward. Start by visiting the Lanes Group Careers website to find out more about the various apprenticeship opportunities we offer. Here, you can find detailed information about the roles available, including what to expect, the qualifications you will gain, and the career paths open to you.

Make sure you meet the basic entry requirements for the apprenticeship you are interested in. For most roles, you will need GCSEs in Maths and English. However, a passion for learning and a positive attitude are just as important. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, do not hesitate to get in touch with us for advice.

Take the time to fill out the application form carefully, highlighting any relevant experience, skills, or interests that make you a strong candidate. Remember to include a well-written personal statement explaining why you want to pursue an apprenticeship with Lanes and what you hope to achieve. Once you have completed your application, submit it through the Lanes Group Careers website. Our recruitment team will review your submission and, if successful, you will be invited to the next stage of the selection process, which could include an interview or an assessment day.

You can also contact our careers team directly if you have any questions about the application process or would like to discuss your options in more detail.

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